Find care near me Key Points
- X-rays are a common form of medical imaging that use electromagnetic radiation to create images of the inside of the body.
- The process involves passing an electric current through a vacuum tube, positioning the body part to be examined between an X-ray beam and a metal film, and capturing the image on the film.
- The images produced by X-rays show a contrast between different materials, with denser materials like bones and tumors appearing white and less dense materials like air and soft tissue appearing darker.
- This non-invasive method allows doctors to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including bone fractures, pneumonia, artery blockages, and cancer.
What is an X-ray?
X-rays are the oldest and most common form of medical imaging. They are a form of electromagnetic radiation that is similar to light waves, except they’re more energetic and are invisible to the human eye. They’re produced when an electric current is passed through a vacuum tube, also known as an X-ray machine.
What to Expect When Receiving an X-ray?
When you get an X-ray, the part of your body that needs to be examined will be positioned between a concentrated beam of X-rays that will come into contact with your body tissues and create an image on a metal film. Air and nonmetallic objects like organs and soft tissue of the body can’t absorb X-rays, causing these materials to appear darker on film. Dense materials such as bone, tumors, and metal fragments absorb most of the radiation and appear white on film.
Thanks to the contrast that these images provide, X-ray machines act as a camera that allows doctors to see what is going on inside of your body without having to perform invasive surgery. For example, an X-ray may be used to find out if the source of your arm pain is a bone fracture, or to see if your flu is actually pneumonia. X-rays can be used for many other purposes, as well, like detecting artery blockages or cancer.
See also: back x-ray
Frequently asked questions
What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is a type of medical imaging that uses electromagnetic radiation to create images of the inside of the body.How is an X-ray produced?
An X-ray is produced by passing an electric current through a vacuum tube, positioning the body part to be examined between an X-ray beam and a metal film, and capturing the image on the film.What do the different colors on an X-ray image mean?
On an X-ray image, denser materials like bones and tumors appear white, while less dense materials like air and soft tissue appear darker.Is an X-ray procedure invasive?
No, an X-ray procedure is not invasive. It allows doctors to see inside the body without needing to perform surgery.What conditions can be diagnosed using X-rays?
X-rays can be used to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including bone fractures, pneumonia, artery blockages, and cancer.Can X-rays be harmful?
X-rays do involve exposure to a small amount of radiation, but the benefits of accurate diagnosis typically outweigh the risks.Can all parts of the body be examined using X-rays?
Yes, X-rays can be used to examine any part of the body.How long does an X-ray procedure take?
The length of an X-ray procedure can vary depending on the part of the body being examined, but typically it takes just a few minutes.
